Gaming enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting Lenovo's SteamOS-powered handheld since its announcement several months ago. The wait is nearly over as pre-orders for the Lenovo Legion Go S, the first non-Valve handheld to run SteamOS, have officially gone live at Best Buy with a release date set for May 25, 2025.
SteamOS Comes to Lenovo's Handheld Lineup
The Lenovo Legion Go S represents a significant milestone in the gaming handheld market as it marks the end of SteamOS exclusivity to Valve's Steam Deck. This Linux-based operating system has been a key factor in the Steam Deck's success, offering a streamlined gaming experience and improved power efficiency compared to Windows alternatives. Valve recently pushed a preview update for SteamOS that included the beginnings of support for non-Steam Deck handhelds, confirming their commitment to expanding the ecosystem beyond their own hardware.
Two Distinct Models with Different Processors
Best Buy's pre-order listings reveal that the Legion Go S will be available in two SteamOS configurations. The base model features AMD's Ryzen Z2 Go processor paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, priced at USD $549.99. For those seeking more power, a premium version equipped with the Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 32GB of memory, and 1TB of storage will be available for USD $749.99. Both models feature an 8-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, promising smooth gameplay across various titles.
Lenovo Legion Go S Models and Pricing
| Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | OS | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legion Go S | AMD Ryzen Z2 Go | 16GB | 512GB | SteamOS | USD $549.99 |
| Legion Go S | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | 32GB | 1TB | SteamOS | USD $749.99 |
| Legion Go S | AMD Ryzen Z2 Go | 32GB | 1TB | Windows 11 | USD $729.99 |
| Legion Go S | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | 32GB | 1TB | Windows 11 | USD $829.99 |
Release Date: May 25, 2025 Available Colors: Black, White Display: 8-inch with 120Hz refresh rate
Price Points Higher Than Initially Expected
The pricing structure comes in slightly higher than earlier reports suggested. Previous leaks from Micro Center had indicated the Z2 Go variant would cost USD $499, while the Z1 Extreme model was expected to be priced at USD $729. The actual retail prices represent increases of USD $50 and USD $20 respectively over these earlier estimates.
Windows Variants Also Available
For those who prefer Microsoft's operating system, Lenovo is also offering Windows 11 versions of the Legion Go S. The Windows-based Z2 Go model with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage will retail for USD $729.99, while the Z1 Extreme variant with the same memory and storage specifications will cost USD $829.99. This pricing strategy positions the SteamOS models as the more affordable options, with the operating system choice accounting for a significant portion of the price difference.
Expanding the SteamOS Ecosystem
The arrival of the Legion Go S marks just the beginning of SteamOS expansion beyond Valve's hardware. Recent developments suggest that other Windows-based handhelds, including the ASUS ROG Ally and ROG Ally X, may eventually receive SteamOS support. References to display configurations for these devices have been spotted in SteamOS development, indicating that Valve is working to broaden compatibility across the gaming handheld market.
Color Options and Release Timeline
According to retailer listings, the Legion Go S will be available in both black and white color schemes, giving consumers aesthetic choices beyond the technical specifications. With the May 25th release date now confirmed, interested gamers have approximately two months to decide which configuration best suits their needs and budget.
Market Positioning Against Steam Deck
The base model of the Legion Go S with SteamOS is priced competitively with the Steam Deck 256GB edition, suggesting Lenovo is directly targeting Valve's market position. However, the Z1 Extreme variant pushes into a higher price bracket, potentially appealing to enthusiasts seeking maximum performance in a handheld form factor. The inclusion of 32GB of memory in this model provides a notable specification advantage over many competing devices.
Performance Considerations with SteamOS
While the Legion Go S with Z1 Extreme should offer excellent gaming performance, potential buyers should note that games running through SteamOS's Proton compatibility layer may perform differently compared to native Windows implementations. However, the streamlined interface and optimization of SteamOS could provide advantages in other areas, such as battery life and user experience.